Getting IN: Social Media Intern at Stylesmith

The social media intern position is as valuable as the traditional fashion PR intern position, as Gabriella Blandino-Vasquez is quickly finding out. At Stylesmith, a media group that regularly works with fashion brands to create campaigns that feature fashion bloggers, as well as manages the Two Point Oh! LA blogger network and Los Angeles Fashion Council, this first-year FIDM student is gaining invaluable experience supporting on everything from MAGIC Market Week to Coachella. Connect with Gabby on Twitter @gabbyblandino.

Why Fashion PR

I have always been drawn to the business side of fashion. I love what happens behind the scenes, and learning about what it takes to make fashion shows and events happen. It is a lot more complicated than people think. Fashion PR makes people fall in love with brands and to me, it is the most interesting part of the business. Brands aren’t anything without building a personality of their own, and that is what fashion PR does. There are so many different elements that go into it and that’s what makes these jobs so exciting. I plan to continue on this career path, it is what I feel like I am meant to do.

What is your background?

I grew up in Palm Springs, California. My family was and still is very close. I was raised playing sports. My first was ballet, which I was very good at, but as I tried different sports, I found the one I loved most: soccer. From then on, until I graduated high school, it was non-stop training and playing. So I guess you could say that I grew up in a suburban type environment, played sports, hung out with friends and family, made homecoming court, and was Senior Class President. Most people expected me to try to go to a University or business school. However, as I did my research, I realized a “typical” school and job was not for me. I wanted to pursue a business career in the fashion industry. People in the desert look down on that sort of thing, but I am very strong in what I believe in. I am now attending The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and have a wonderful internship with Stylesmith.

How did you land your position?

I volunteered for a fashion show through FIDM to gain gain experience. It was a three day gig. Day one was preparation and organizing and the next two days were fashion shows with multiple designers. As nervous as I was, I showed up (early of course) and took charge and got my tasks done efficiently and accurately. The owner of Stylesmith, Kelsi, was impressed with my work ethic, so I knew I had to keep going. The next day I took initiative again, and made sure all the rest of the volunteers were doing their tasks, that the designers were organized and comfortable, and that all the decorations were in place. I also stepped in to do the audio for all the shows. After that, Stylesmith asked me to intern with them for their multiple projects.

What are your responsibilities?

My day-to-day responsibilities now include posting on social media accounts for clients and Stylesmith, and interacting with our followers and others online.

Social media is crucial to a business’ image and it is important to keep it up to date at all times.

What elements of the job/internship were unexected or surprising?

It was surprising how diverse the job can be. One moment I’ll be on the computer posting and the next we’re traveling to meet clients. It’s more than I ever expected.

What is a recent success story that you have been a part of?

We recently took on the biggest fashion trade show in the US. Being a part of Magic Market Week in February was the first time I was put into a high-pressure work situation. I had to make sure all the bloggers involved were at the right events at the right time, and create content for social media posts. It was so much more difficult than I imagined, but I stayed focused and pulled. I also ended up responsible for recording and the audio visual for WWD MAGIC’s web series during the week. In the end I gained professional relationships and proof that I can handle the responsibility of fashion’s high-pressure environment.

About This Author

Known as the “fashion publicist’s most powerful accessory,” (San Diego Union-Tribune) and the “West Coast ‘It’ girl of fashion PR,” (YFS Magazine) Crosby Noricks put fashion public relations on the digital map when she launched PR Couture in 2006. She is the author of Ready to Launch: The PR Couture Guide to Breaking into Fashion PR, available on Amazon.
A decade later, Crosby is a successful fashion marketing strategist who spends her time championing PR Couture's growth and mentoring fashion publicists through her signature online course PRISM. Learn more about opportunities to work directly with Crosby at her website crosbynoricks.com